Letter: Beaverton School District alumna Shoshana Bean calls for revived music education

View full sizeActress, singer and songwriter Shoshana BeanArkasha Stevenson/Special to The Oregonian

When I attended Beaverton High School, music programs thrived. For me, rich school music experiences proved foundational for collegiate studies and for a career on Broadway. I am saddened by the current state of music education in Beaverton. Programs have been severely diminished. Many elementary students attend music class less than once a week while some high school programs have all but disappeared.

Music is essential to education. In creating and teaching a multidimensional music program in disadvantaged Los Angeles schools, I have personally witnessed the rewards of music for all students. The BSD Music Task Force proposal increases elementary music instructional time, reintroduces fifth grade band, and addresses systemic inequities. I passionately support their proposal. It wisely aims to rebuild programming from the ground up beginning next year.